The issue of noise pollution has been brought up many times in the media. It has become one of the most common environmental concerns (Do more to cut down construction noise, by Mr Loong Chik Tong, April 9; Sounds awful: Can't sleep, can't talk because of noise, April 23; Reckless to be deaf to noise pollution, May 3; and How loud is too loud?, May 28).

However, public agencies like the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Housing Board, town councils and SP Group have yet to address it.

Construction works in residential areas are set to increase, thus worsening the issues of noise and dust pollution.

Although the BCA has the Green and Gracious Builder Scheme, only a handful of companies have been rated "Excellent" or "Star".

Contractors must exercise a higher degree of sensitivity towards the well-being of the community.

I urge contractors and other parties not to turn a blind eye to the issues of noise, dust and safety.

Greater consideration to nearby residences should be the order of the day. "Non-disturbance to residents" must be explicitly listed in the solicitation for professional architectural and engineering services.

National water agency PUB used the pipe jacking method when laying new pipes (60km of new water pipelines over the next 2 years; May 18).

Although it is more expensive and slower than the open-cut method, it is less disruptive to the daily lives of those living in areas where the tunnels are being built.

I hope more public agencies will adopt disruption-free methods in high-rise and dense Singapore.

Manfred Lin